The Great Tropical Self-Drive

Day 1

Cairns to Port Douglas (67km)

Once you’ve collected your car, your journey will start in Cairns – the spectacular gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Begin by driving along the coast, stopping off for lunch in the picturesque town of Palm Cove before ending the day's journey in the gorgeously tropical town of Port Douglas.

Overnight: Standard Bay Villas Resort I Superior Meridian Port Douglas I Boutique Thala Beach Lodge, Jungle Walk Bungalow

Day 2

Port Douglas

Today you’ll spend a day at leisure enjoying your tropical surroundings. Why not take a cruise on the Great Barrier Reef or explore the nearby Mossman Gorge.

Overnight: Standard Bay Villas Resort I Superior Meridian Port Douglas I Boutique Thala Beach Lodge, Jungle Walk Bungalow

Day 3

Atherton Tablelands (135km)

This morning continue your journey inland to Mareeba, where you can savour the region's aromatic coffee before heading west to the Artherton Tablelands. the flora and fauna here is truly tropical, with lush green the majority of the year due to the high rain fall in the surrounding area.

Overnight: Standard Atherton Blue Gum I Superior Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat, Treehouse I Boutique Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat, Treehouse

Day 4

Atherton Tablelands

Spend the day at leisure enjoying your surroudings, the highlights here include the deep waters of extinct volcano crater lakes - Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham and the wonderful Curtain Fig Tree. If time permits, travel to Millaa Millaa for an exciting rainforest drive of the Waterfall circuit - a must see while here. you can get out the vehicle and enjoy short walks to viewing areas and swimming holes at the falls.

Overnight: Standard Atherton Blue Gum I Superior Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat, Treehouse I Boutique Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat, Treehouse

Day 5

Mission Beach (143km)

You’ll then drive north towards Mission Beach, take a detour onto the Old Bruce Highway and travel through Mena Creek to visit the intriguing Paronella Park.

Overnight: Standard Castaways Resort, Rainforest room I Superior Castaways Resort, Beachfront room I Boutique Castaways Resort, Beachfront Coral Sea room

Day 6

Mission Beach

The whole day is free for you to enjoy everything Mission Beach has to offer. Relax on the beach, take part in exhilarating water sports, sport wildlife, and try out tasty restaurants.

Overnight: Standard Castaways Resort, Rainforest room I Superior Castaways Resort, Beachfront room I Boutique Castaways Resort, Beachfront Coral Sea room

Day 7

Cairns (139km)

Today you’ll enjoy a scenic drive through Mena Creek, before visiting the impressive Paronella Park – a fascinating area full of heritage and culture. Your journey to Cairns comes with many brilliant stops, including the historic sugar town of South Johnstone, Innisfall’s bright Art Deco buildings, the towering boulders at Wooroonooran National Park, and the home of Noongyanbudda Ngadjon-jii people – Josephine Falls.

Your car is booked until the following day. To avoid an additional charge, your car must be dropped off at the city or airport by the same time as it was picked up on day one.